An entire floor of the new Heart Hospital at MedStar Washington Hospital Center was dedicated earlier this month by MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute medical staff, associates and administrators. The opening of the new 60-bed unit marks the completion of Phase I of four phases in the construction of the first dedicated Heart Hospital in the nation's capital.
At 35,000-square-feet, the new fourth floor features both private and semi-private patient rooms with the most current technological monitoring devices and equipment. The design includes extensive allowances for natural light, state-of-the-art nursing stations, a family consultation room and a multipurpose room, all designed with both patient care and family comfort in mind.
"We are enhancing both the environment and the model of care for our cardiovascular patients," said Stuart F. Seides, MD, physician executive director, MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute. "This new facility and its structure will allow patients with similar medical issues to be together on single-care units that have dedicated teams of cardiologists, cardiac and vascular surgeons, nurse practitioners and nurses, to more efficiently deliver the highest quality cardiovascular care."
The newly completed space lends itself to greater collaboration between patients, their families, and caregivers in a setting that is optimally designed to enhance comfort, safety and efficiency. Once all phases of construction are completed, the new Heart Hospital will consolidate all cardiovascular care in the Hospital Center's North Addition, covering more than 160,000 square feet. The 164-bed facility is projected to be completed in the spring of 2016.
"This new facility will increase our ability to care for an ever-growing population in need of expert cardiovascular care with the latest in medical technology while continuing to pursue our goal of advancing the science and practice of cardiovascular medicine and surgery," added Dr. Seides.
Phase II of the extensive renovation and construction project has already begun, which will include an entirely new entrance for the hospital. Subsequent phases will include three additional full floors that will feature a consolidated outpatient clinic, larger cardiovascular intensive care rooms, satellite echo labs and co-located non-invasive cardio-diagnostic services.
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